What Needs to Happen for Solid State Lithium Batteries to Become Viable
These so-called 'mountains' of toxic chemicals don’t have to be the norm. In this article, we will explore the key factors that need to be addressed for solid-state lithium batteries to become a viable and competitive alternative to current lithium-ion batteries. From performance metrics to cost considerations, we will delve into the details that may ultimately dictate the future of battery technology.
Comparing Solid State Lithium Batteries to Current Li-Ion Chemistry
In order for solid-state lithium batteries to become a practical and reliable solution, several benchmarks must be met. These batteries need to match or surpass the performance of conventional lithium-ion batteries in several critical areas:
Self-Discharge: Solid-state batteries must have a low self-discharge rate, ideally similar to, or lower than, current lithium-ion batteries. This will ensure that the battery remains charge-capped for extended periods without significant performance degradation. Internal Resistance: Solid-state batteries should have a low or better internal resistance than their lithium-ion counterparts. This will result in less energy loss during charging and discharging cycles, leading to longer operational lifetimes. Charge and Discharge Rates: The ability to charge and discharge at high rates (3C and 5C) is crucial for many applications, from electric vehicles to portable electronics. Solid-state batteries need to offer at least comparable or superior performance in these areas. Degradation Over Time: Battery performance deteriorates over time due to various chemical reactions. Solid-state batteries must exhibit similar or better degradation characteristics to ensure they remain functional for a reasonable lifespan. Cycling Durability: The number of charging and discharging cycles a battery can perform is a critical factor in its practical utility. Solid-state batteries should offer at least the same or better cycling stability compared to lithium-ion batteries. Energy Density: Energy density is a measure of how much energy a battery can store per unit volume or mass. Solid-state batteries must offer similar or higher energy density in kWh/liter to be competitive. Specific Energy: This is the amount of energy a battery can store per unit mass (kWh/kg). In this aspect, solid-state batteries should indeed have a clear advantage. Technological advancements in solid-state technology should enable this.Key Considerations for Widely Adopting Solid State Lithium Batteries
To truly revolutionize the battery market, solid-state lithium batteries need more than just improved performance. They need to be cost-effective:
Reduction in Costs: The current high price of lithium-ion batteries is a significant barrier to their widespread adoption. For solid-state batteries to compete, their cost per kWh must be significantly reduced. Ideally, they should have a price point that is very close to, or even lower than, current lithium-ion batteries. Regulatory and Safety Aspects: Ensuring the safety and durability of solid-state batteries under various conditions is crucial. The industry will need to address concerns related to manufacturing, handling, and disposal methods to ensure that these batteries are safe for use in a wide range of applications. Supply Chain Management: Establishing a reliable and scalable supply chain for the raw materials and components needed to produce solid-state batteries is essential. This includes sourcing entire materials such as lithium, extral, and other critical elements, as well as developing efficient manufacturing processes. Market Demand and Adoption: Finally, solid-state batteries need to meet market demands and gain the trust of consumers and industry leaders. This involves conducting extensive testing, certification, and real-world application trials to validate their performance and reliability.The Future of Lithium Battery Technology
At present, traditional lithium batteries are widely regarded as viable due to their established technological foundations and reliability. However, advancements in solid-state technology offer significant advantages:
Changes in plate material or the chemistry of the dielectric can create different types of batteries. This opens the door to innovation in both material science and battery design, potentially leading to more efficient and sustainable energy storage solutions.
Research and development in solid-state lithium batteries are ongoing, and with sustained investment and breakthroughs, these innovations could eventually lead to a transformative shift in the energy storage landscape.